Economic Impact Study

Southwest Florida International Airport is an important contributor to the region's social and economic well-being.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) conducted a Statewide Aviation Economic Impact Study that showed Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) and Page Field (FMY) in Fort Myers contributed more than $4.4 billion to the region’s economy on an annual basis. The Florida Statewide Aviation Economic Impact Study began in April 2013 and was completed in August 2014.

As part of an update to the Florida Aviation System Plan, FDOT focused on annual economic impact associated with 19 commercial airports, 102 public-use general aviation airports, as well as 11 military aviation facilities. The study looked at various on-airport and off-airport aviation-related activities expressed as direct, indirect and induced (multiplier) impacts. In total, aviation is responsible for an estimated $144 billion in annual economic activity or output in the state of Florida.

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) contributed more than $4.3 billion to the local economy from airport and related-airport activities and accounted for 45,562 jobs.

The study also examined the economic impacts of Page Field (FMY), the general aviation and reliever airport operated by the Lee County Port Authority. The FDOT study showed Page Field’s contribution was $109.3 million and that the airport is responsible for more than 1,101 jobs.